NaturalMedications

Over the years, calorie myths of all kinds have passed from person to person. How many of these unfounded notions sound familiar?

Myth: Grapefruit burns calories.

Fact: Digestion of any food requires a small amount of energy. But no food, nor food component, has any special ability to "melt away" body fat.

Myth: Margarine has fewer calories than butter.

Fact: Regular stick margarine and butter contain the same number of calories, about 36 calories per teaspoon. For a spread with fewer calories, try jelly or jam with 16 calories per teaspoon.

Myth: A rich, fudge brownie, before bedtime, is more fattening than the same brownie eaten for lunch.

Fact: The clock doesn't make a difference. No matter when they're eaten, calories seem to have the same effect in the body. Too many can add up to extra body fat. Timing has no direct effect on how your body uses the calories. Evidence does suggest that eating regular meals, especially breakfast, helps to reduce fat intake and minimize impulsive snacking, which can add up to excess calories over the course of a day.

Myth: Toasting bread reduces its calorie content.

Fact: That's nothing more than wishful thinking. Toasting doesn't "burn-off" any calories, it just changes the flavor and texture a bit.

Myth: Potatoes and bread are fattening.

Fact: By themselves, they're not high in calories, 88 calories for a medium (4-ounce) potato and 70 calories for an average size slice of bread. Both potatoes and bread are great sources of complex carbohydrates. However, high-fat toppings or spreads can add up to excess calories. Consider the calories in one tablespoon: sour cream (30 calories), butter or margarine (100 calories), and regular mayonnaise (100 calories).